This section includes the latest news and information from CASA.  Also available at this location are links to our most recent and/or archived Annual Reports, Press Releases, News Letters, Job Postings (current), and Volunteer Recognition Events.

For CASA’s 2005 Annual Report, click on the link in the upper right corner.

October, 2006

CASA’s 6^th Annual “Speak Up For Children” Breakfast was held on Thursday, October 5, 2006 at COSI.  Once again, the annual event was a big success resulting in community awareness about CASA, the recruitment of new volunteers, and raised gifts for this year and pledges for the next four.

The 2006 Breakfast had 340 guests.  This free event is an opportunity for community members to learn about CASA.  They are invited by a Table Captain, usually someone who they personally know.  Most fundraising “events” result in one-time donors.  After hearing about CASA and its mission, guests are told they will be asked at the end to consider becoming long-term or life-time donors.  While the number of attendees was lower than last year, the amount of gifts matched the year before.  Typically 51% of those attending give a donation.  This year over 62% of attendees supported CASA financially. 

The total of funds raised at this year’s event and previous 2006 pledges will surpass $151,000.  This includes foundations ($15,000), corporate sponsors (see Corporate Sponsor page; $63,000), and individuals ($73,000).  Additionally, 24 donors indicated that they would be designating CASA through their workplace campaigns this fall, resulting in over $10,000 more in gifts.

The “Speak Up for Children” Breakfast has received $650,000 in individual pledges since the event began in 2001!  That amount includes pledges now in place and pledges that run through 2010.  CASA follows this model and does not do a lot of “events” but rather works all year long to share with and keep donors connected to our mission, efforts and results. 

At the Breakfast, guests were welcomed by CASA Board member Bill Holehouse, who served as emcee.  Columbus City Councilmember Michael Mentel presented a City proclamation which decreed Thursday, October 5, 2006 as “Speak Up For Children” day.  Franklin County Commissioner and Board President Mary Jo Kilroy also presented CASA with a County resolution in support of CASA.

After an invocation by Rev. Ernest Perry, Sr. and breakfast, guests heard CASA’s vision from Executive Director Marilyn Berlekamp.  Audience members then viewed CASA’s new video, “Natalie’s Story.”  Lisa Pierce Reisz, a CASA/GAL volunteer since April 2004, shared the difference she and other GALs make in the lives of children.  She also talked about one of her cases that she served on for the past 10 years.  CASA was honored to have Susie O’Reilly make the request for gifts at the end of the event.  Susie is a GAL but she and her husband are also in a position to support CASA financially.  She showed a painting and shared a story about one of the children for whom she advocates.

CASA would like to extend its appreciation to this year’s Table Captains, guests, sponsors, and speakers for making the 2006 “Speak Up For Children” Breakfast a huge success.  Anyone interested in becoming a Table Captain or guest should contact Jeff Redfield, Director of Development (614/462-6195).  Mark your calendars now and join us on October 11, 2007 at COSI for the 2007 event!

Some of the Electronic Data Systems volunteers that helped set up and tear down the event.

Board president John Krzykoski, Board member Lynda Butler, and Jeff Redfield prepare to welcome attendees.

GAL and Table Captain Nancy Heller welcomes her guests.

Board secretray Qiana Williams and Board president John Krzykoski greet guests.

Rick Simonton of Merril Lynch, sponsor and Table captain, speaks with GAL and presenter Susie O'Reilly.

Emcee Bill Holehouse begins the program.

City Council member Michael Mentel bestows the city proclamation.

Reverend Perry leads the invocation.

Some of the 340 guests gather in COSI Gallery II for the event.

Ohio CASA/GAL Association Director Jackie Wilson visits with guests.

Franklin County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy enjoys a bite to eat before presenting the county's resolution.

Franklin County CASA Director Marilyn Berlekamp shares CASA's vision with guests.

Attendees participate in a group exercise demonstrating how CASA serves under 20% of abused, neglected, and dependent children in Franklin County.

Lisa Pierce-Reisz shares with the attendees the many ways in which her CASA children have touched her life.

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Some of the Electronic Data Systems volunteers that helped set up and tear down the event.

 

 

September, 2006

September 22, 2006 was a rainy day, but many of the faithful volunteers showed up to enjoy an appreciation picnic at the Columbus Zoo and to bid the outgoing Volunteer Director, Jessica Lane, a fond farewell.  Volunteers ate together and enjoyed live music from the Riverside Rats.  Toward the end of the evening a brief presentation was held where Jessica was presented with a gift from the volunteers and sent off with praise from all that were present.  The volunteers and staff enjoyed free carousel rides and animal viewings throughout the evening.  The slideshow below demonstrates all of the fun that was had by all!

Staff members Rachel, Linda, and Shaunna enjoy a carousel ride.

Leslie Marshall enjoys some time with a little one.

Brandon wrestles with an alligator.

Staff members Jeff, Marilyn, Jessica, and Jamie gather to welcome attendees.

Judy O'Dell and her brother steal an evening conversation with Jamie.

As night falls, this little girl enjoyed her last cookie.

Marilyn bids farewell to Jessica after presenting her with the Volunteers' gift.

Susie O'Reilly takes one last carousel ride before the night ends.

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Staff members Rachel, Linda, and Shaunna enjoy a carousel ride.

September, 2006

On September 20, 2006, CASA of Franklin County was pleased to introduce 14 new members to the program.  Family and friends gathered in the Auditorium of the Franklin County Courthouse to support the newest inductees to the Franklin County CASA/GAL program.  Cake and punch were served after the 14 volunteers were sworn in under oath by Magistrate Larry Sanchez of the Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court.  All 14 of these volunteers committed themselves to 40 hours of training and a two year continued service commitment to the program.  CASA is pleased to welcome these 14 individuals, who are more than willing to give their time and energy to be a "voice for a child".

Amanda Case talks with her parents before the ceremony.	Jesse Butler enjoys his conversation.	Executive Director, Marilyn Berlekamp, initiates the ceremony.
The class members take their oath.	Magistrate Sanchez swearing in Dreaddi Larcher.	A celebration cake!
Julie Rich and Leslie Brady share in conversation after the ceremony.	Vivian Brown and Kirsten Barr-Waligura smile for the camera.	Rachel Gicev arrives just in time for a picture.

 

New CASA Volunteers after the oath, from left to right: Back Row: Dreaddi Larcher, Lisa Mollett, Jesse Butler, Donna Bowers, Cristy Ortiz, Vivian Brown, Kirsten Barr-Waligura.  Front Row: Lindsay Wright, Leslie Brady, Amanda Case, Kathy King, Shanti Reddy, Julie Rich.  Not pictured: Rachel Gicev

August, 2006

CASA welcomed two new members to the staff in August. 

Melissa Uglesich came onboard as the new Director of Volunteers.  Previously she served as a caseworker with Franklin County Children Services and she interned with CASA last summer.  She’s also served as a CASA/ GAL volunteer in Indianapolis.  Melissa has a B.S. in Sociology from the Univ. of Oregon, the state where she was born and raised.  Melissa supports the concept of a neutral third party advocating for the rights of abused and neglected children.  She believes CASA “is one of the organizations that is most beneficial to the juvenile justice system.”

CASA also welcomes   Jason Hillyer as the new Recruitment and Retention Specialist.  Previously Jason was the Director of Education at the Charles M. Schulz Museum where he especially enjoyed overseeing the work of more than 200 volunteers.  Jason is a native Ohioan and holds a B.S. in Communication and a teaching certification from Ohio University in Athens.  Jason has nearly 11 years of experience working with volunteers at various non-profits.  He is “so grateful and honored to be part of the vitally important work that CASA staff and volunteers do…”  He looks forward to working with volunteers who are interested in joining the Speakers’ Bureau. 

CASA welcomes Jason and Melissa!

August, 2006

On August 1, 2006, CASA of Franklin County had the pleasure of swearing in 16 new CASA/GAL's to the program.  Each of these 16 individuals committed forty hours of pre-service training to the program and have made a two year commitment of continued service.  The swearing-in ceremony was held in the Auditorium of the Franklin County Courthouse and the new volunteers were accompanied by family members and friends to this event.  Each of the guests enjoyed cake and punch at the conclusion of the ceremony.  Executive Director Marilyn Berlekamp and Magistrate Larry Sanchez of the Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court addressed the group during the ceremony.  The 16 new CASA's were sworn in under oath by Magistrate Sanchez.  CASA welcomes this new set of volunteers to the program and commends them for their dedication to the abused and neglected children of Franklin County!

Executive Director Marilyn Berlekamp welcomes attendees and new volunteers.	16 new CASA/GAL's raise their right hand as they are sworn in.	Family and friends watch from the audience.
Magistrate Sanchez shakes Lisa Hartway's hand as she receives her certificate.	Denise Kohn shares her induction moment with her family.	Bob Sheldon and his wife along with Catherine Colyer Dyke celebrate their induction.

 

 New CASA Volunteers After the Oath, from left to right: Back Row: Cassie Hernandez, Vince Campbell, Catherine Colyer Dyke, Leslie Marshall, Dianna Poindexter, Britani Bishop, Bob Sheldon, Heather Looney.  Front Row: Sue Heller, Sara Rampersaud, Kristina Crandall, Lisa Hartway, Rhonda Glasspoole, Denise Kohn.  NOT PICTURED: Candace Norris and Jennifer Lee.

March, 2005

On Saturday, March 11, CASA of Franklin County was the benefactor of the 2006 New Albany’s Women’s Network (NAWN) “Spring Fashion Show.”  Held at the New Albany Country Club, over 150 people attended to learn about CASA.  The event included a compelling speech by CASA’s Executive Director Marilyn Berlekamp.

Selected by the NAWN as one of three charities to benefit from their annual events, CASA was fortunate enough to receive the funds from the Spring Fashion show.  This show is typically the network's largest fundraiser.  Former CASA Board member Luann Klaiber connected CASA with this opportunity.  CASA's Director of Development, Jeff Redfield, wrote the proposal to the NAWN.  This proposal, titled “Networking to Grow a Better Future for the Children of Franklin County,”  focused on connecting NAWN's goal of supporting women and children with CASA's mission. 

Funds raised by NAWN through ticket sales, the fashion show, silent auction items, and a 50/50 raffle, tallied $9,200.  CASA helped spread the word to potential guests and helped the network sell the most raffle tickets the event ever sold in a one year.  Thanks to Luann Klaiber and all the women at NAWN for supporting CASA in this way!

NAWN President Brandi Burch and Spring Fashion Show Co-chairs Dinah Coomes and Traci Kaniaris present a check to CASA staff Marilyn Berlekamp and Jeff Redfield on April 12, 2006.

March, 2005

On Oscars Night, March 5, 2006, CASA of Franklin County held its annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner in conjunction with its Oscars Party, at The Franklin Park Conservatory.  Approximately 150 guests gathered in the Palm House,  including more than 60 CASA/ GAL volunteers.  The beautiful space was generously donated by Franklin Park.  Volunteers were recognized for numerous accomplishments, including service for three, five, and ten years with the program, outstanding commitment, going the extra mile, and making special contributions. Former board president Nancy Hubbard Byron was awarded the "Speak up for CASA" Award, an honor reserved for an individual or group who had the greatest impact on CASA and child advocacy in the last year.  The second annual "Heart of CASA" Award was bestowed upon volunteer Susie O'Reilly for putting her "whole heart" into her work for abused children.  Also lauded were CASA's "Rookies of the Year."  In celebration of the program's 15th Anniversary, CASA volunteers were awarded for landmark work on cases.  For a complete list of award winners click here.

Susie O'Reilly, Heart of CASA	Ten Years of Service: Susan Houser, Jill Glover, Lisa Pierce Reisz	Rookies of the Year

Attendees enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and desserts donated by Weiland's, Stauf's, and Golden Delight.  Raffle prizes were also contributed by several generous donors including Artina, Barcelona, Chipotle, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Franklin Park Conservatory, Giant Eagle/ Iggle Video, JC Penney, John Krzykoski, Max & Erma's, and Stauf's.  For more pictures of the event click here.

New CASA Volunteers Take Oath, from left to right:  Nicole Favorite, Colleen Cipriani, Molly Parsons, Robyn Wilson, Ina Montgomery, Shannon DeVita, Charla Sheppard, Victoria Richardson, Marcia White, Gale Griffin, Vicki Morrison, Sydney Schardt, Geralyn Kent, Monique Underwood, Gabrielle Wonnell, Christine Thompson, and Leslie Marshall (cut off).  Not pictured, Alysabeth Abarnathy

August, 2005

On August 25, 2005 CASA of Franklin County held its Diversity Advisory Team Kick-Off Event at Studios on High Art Gallery in the Short North.  This team, created under the direction of board member Qiana Williams and with the assistance of board member Ernest Perry, will help CASA effectively reach out to the minority communities in Franklin County in hopes of fostering general awareness of the agency’s work and recruiting a more diverse pool of CASA volunteers. 

Thirty individuals attended the kick-off and together enjoyed mingling, refreshments, and a presentation about CASA and the team.  Attendees included 15 community representatives, 8 CASA volunteers, 1 CASA of Franklin County Board Member, and 6 members of the CASA staff.  Fourteen individuals signed up to be a part of the team.  As such, they will combine their insight and perspective to guide CASA's efforts in identifying organizations, groups, and churches at which to present, and identifying other individuals who can help reach out the Columbus' minority communities.  The team will also advise how to best market CASA's message and mission, and will assess the effectiveness of CASA's previous efforts in reaching out the these communities.

CASA sincerely thanks all those who attended and assisted with this event.  If you're interested in more information about CASA of Franklin County's Diversity Advisory Team, please contact Executive Director Marilyn Berlekamp at 614-462-7450.

Group of New CASA Volunteers, from left to right:  Jessica Schuster, Linda Coleman, Rachel Neeb, Rosemary Milner, Julie McNeill, Rebecca Bingham, Michael Spencer, Jacqueline West, Michelle Teasley, Emily Crabtree, Debbie Day, Lindsey Williams, Andrew Diwik, Rachael Ingram, and Geoffrey Allen.  Not pictured:  Linda Jones, Kevin McDonald, Christina Williams, Rachel Williamson, and Julie Whitney. 

June 2005                                                                                                                                                                                                                             CASA of Franklin County welcomes Cristy Ortiz as an office intern who will assist staff with various tasks over the next year.  Cristy is a fourth year evening student at Capital University Law School.  She became interested in child advocacy while completing her M.A. in Guidance and Counseling in New Mexico before moving to Ohio.  Cristy lives in Dublin with her husband Rick and two children Richard and Eryn.  The CASA program also welcomes Melissa Uglesich as an office intern who will work with Volunteer Director Jessica Lane over the summer.  Melissa obtained her B.S. in Sociology at The University of Oregon and is currently a second year full-time student at Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis, Indiana.  She became interested in child advocacy as an undergraduate student in Spokane, Washington where she acted as a volunteer at the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery and witnessed instances of abuse and neglect daily.  She currently works with Child Advocates© in Indianapolis and will be working with the juvenile court of Marion County, Indiana in the Fall as an intern with the public defender’s office.  Melissa looks forward to working with CASA of Franklin County and hopes to become an asset to the office and follow the internship with further work experiences in the future.

May 2005

On May 12, 2005 CASA of Franklin County held its annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner at The Marketplace at Nationwide.  Approximately 120 guests gathered for the dinner, including more than 50 CASA/ GAL volunteers.  The event was made possible by Nationwide and through the generous assistance of Ms. Mary Ostrom, Ms. Karen Blickley, and Ms. Barbara Bryson.  Generous donations from JCPenney and CASA Board Member Qiana Williams allowed for a fun mid-dinner raffle. 

The event was held in honor of the late Mrs. Marilyn Snyder who served as a CASA volunteer and generously gave of her time and energy in support of the organization's annual recognition event.  Mrs. Snyder's husband Robert Snyder, and her daughter and son-in-law Lori and Pat Kelly attended to present the first "Heart of CASA" Award.  The award, designed to honor how Mrs. Snyder put her whole heart into her work with CASA, was presented to CASA Office Manager and long-time volunteer Joanne Sheely.  This award will become a part of CASA's yearly recognition tradition in Mrs. Snyder's honor and memory.

Later in the evening, CASA volunteers and their guests enjoyed the spectacular sounds of the Eastmoor Academy Mixed Ensemble and an address by keynote speaker Judge James Green.  Volunteers were recognized for numerous accomplishments, including service for three, five, and ten years with the program, outstanding commitment, going the extra mile, and handling "zany" circumstances.  Also lauded were CASA's "Rookies of the Year."  The "Speak up for CASA" award, which is reserved for the individual or group who had the greatest impact on CASA and child advocacy in the last year, was presented to Maximation.

For a complete list of those recognized at CASA's 2005 Volunteer Recognition, visit our Volunteer Recognition page.  For photos of award winners, visit the Photo Album.  CASA thanks each and every one of its dedicated volunteers!

            Guests Gathered for Dinner                       Eastmoor Academy Mixed Ensemble Performs                       Judge James Green

April 2005

On April 27, 2005 CASA of Franklin County welcomed 20 new CASA/ GALs to the program.  Each completed CASA's mandatory 40 hour training and made a two year commitment of service to the program.  Graduating trainees and their friends and families composed a crowd of about 65 who attended the late April Swearing-in Ceremony.  CASA Executive Director Marilyn Berlekamp and Judge Jim Mason of the Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court addressed the group and the Judge administered the CASA oath to the class.  CASA thanks its newest volunteers for their commitment to CASA and the abused and neglected children of Franklin County!

CASA's newest volunteers, from left to right: Marianne Lombardo, Martha Van Hoy, Linda Granville, Mari Dannhauer, Katie Deter, Jim Placzkiewicz, Nanci Craig, Carol Boster, Courtney Smeltzer, Kathryn Royal, Trina Hayes, Elizabeth Bougher, Mary McEwan Schneider, Linda Norris, Tom Hilfinger, Yvette Hicks, Melissa Brubaker, Bob Keeley, and Charlotte Ellzy. 

March 2005

CASA of Franklin County is sad to announce the loss of former Board member Maureen Kendall.  She passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at her Gahanna residence after a courageous battle with cancer.  Maureen joined the CASA Board in July 2002 and served on the Board until 2004 when she stepped down due to illness.  The following information appeared in her obituary in the Columbus Dispatch on 3/16/-3/17/2005.

Maureen was a financial planner for Lincoln Financial, associated with the Steinhaus Agency, active member of the Church of the Resurrection, and member of the Columbus Literacy Council.  She was the first woman officer for the Columbus Society of Financial Analysts.  She is survived by her husband, Edward Kendall, Jr.; sons, Ryan and Patrick; daughter Sarah; brothers Timothy and James Sullivan, sister Patty; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to HomeReach Hospice, 3595 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43214 in Maureen's memory.  The family would like to especially thank the caring parishoners of the Church of the Resurrection for all their love and support during Maureen's illness and also to the employees of the Department of Mental Health.